My coming out story

Two year ago, I came out by writing an article for the Spartan Daily. There have been many things I have struggled with over the past ten years, including my sexuality. I decided I had no reason to hide, no reason to not be true to myself. I am lucky enough to have people in my life who accept me for who I am, but not everyone is in that situation. It’s easy to say JUST COME OUT but what about those who live with a family that demonizes their identity? It’s not safe. If you’re not out, don’t feel ashamed, don’t feel like you somehow hate yourself because of it. Come out because it’s right for you.

Here is my 2014, award-winning article: “Coming out to make change”

I remember the first time the thought of being attracted to women crossed my mind.

I dismissed the thoughts because I figured thinking a woman was attractive did not make me a lesbian.

Girls were always telling each other they were pretty without thinking they were flirting with each other.

Throughout high school and into college, I found myself attracted to men and women.

Earlier this year, “Juno” star Ellen Page came out as a lesbian.

On February 14, during a speech at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s “Time To THRIVE” conference, she said, “I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission.”

Similar to Page, I spent years hiding and lying about myself because I was scared to be out.

Page also said her spirit, mental health and her relationships suffered because of her secret.

“And I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain,” she said during the speech.

I never realized how scary coming to this conclusion could be, especially when there are so many people who are against people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.

It also scared me because of how many social stigmas I already have as a black, overweight woman.

A social stigma is a belief shaped by a dominant group of people who influence societal attitudes that look down on those labeled “different.”

Already being discriminated against for who I am is stressful, and the idea of adding “bisexual” to my life resumé caused extreme anxiety.